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December 20, 2007
MXL GPS Lap Times
MXL firmware version v14.86.23 was released today with some significant improvements.
GPS Lap and Split Times
Finally out of beta, beacon-less lap timing has arrived. GPS lap and split timing is now possible with this new firmware version. The MXL now has a GPS lap/spilt setup page, which allows you to drive around the track and press a button where you want the lap and split times to be. The GPS module for the MXL has a 50 track memory, so once a lap/split configuration is done for a track, you won't have to do it again. It will "know" where you are, just start driving.
The GPS Lap Time User Manual can be downloaded here. While the MXL v14.86.23 firmware can be downloaded here. Please note that it is important to have the GPS module connected to the MXL during the firmware update, as the GPS module is also updated.
The GPS Lap Manual also contains some brief notes on a beta software called GPS Manager. While it is beta, this software allows you to export GPS lap/split configurations from the GPS module, and send the config to another GPS module or vehicle. This is important for teams who need to overlay data and do not want the time shift of different GPS beacon locations. This software will also allow you to name, remove, store, share, and add notes to the GPS lap/split config file. The GPS Manager beta can be downloaded here.
MXL Memory Key
This firmware also adds support for a new MXL Memory Key due out in January. Using a similar CAN/USB data key to our MyChron4 product, the new MXL Memory Key connects anywhere to MXL expansion CAN-bus and all data is recorded directly to the Memory Key, while simultaneously recording the MXL memory. The Memory Key contains 32MB of memory. The Memory Key has been extensively tested and is very robust. It is hot swappable, it can be removed or connected while the car is running and moved between cars. Because the Memory Key is also a USB device, you no longer have to bring the lap top out to the car, rather just take the key from the car and plug it into your USB port to download from the key.
Online Vref Value
All AiM systems for the past 11 years have used a 4.5V reference for analog channels, earlier this year, the MXL was moved to a more standard 5.0V reference voltage. The software intelligently manages this change and is transparent to the user. However, when creating custom sensors with the Custom Sensor function, knowing the reference voltage is often required. With the added Online Vref Value, you no longer need to bring out the multimeter to determine whether your MXL is a 4.5V or 5.0V system.
Posted by Mike Jaynes at December 20, 2007 12:47 PM